Sunday, 15 February 2026, 2:19 pm
Press Release: Positive Women
Positive Women Inc. NZ welcomes today’s announcement
that Aotearoa New Zealand has signed the global
Call-to-Action on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U),
marking a significant step forward in Aotearoa New
Zealand’s response to HIV.
U=U is a clear,
evidence-based principle: when a person living with HIV is
on effective HIV treatment and maintains an undetectable
viral load (the amount of virus in the blood), they cannot
transmit HIV sexually, nor from mother to baby during
pregnancy.
Positive Women Inc. NZ says the
Government’s endorsement is deeply meaningful for people
living with HIV, particularly women, who continue to
experience high levels of stigma, fear, and
misinformation.
“U=U is not just a medical fact, it
is a stigma-breaking message that changes lives,” says
Bruning, National Coordinator at Positive Women Inc. NZ.
“For people living with HIV, stigma can affect every part
of life: relationships, parenting, healthcare, employment,
and personal safety. Public commitment to U=U helps create
the conditions for dignity, confidence, and
wellbeing.”
Positive Women Inc. NZ also acknowledges
the leadership of people living with HIV and community
organisations, such as Toitū te Ao, Burnett Foundation
Aotearoa, and Body Positive, as well as the many allies in
the health sector, who have advocated for this commitment
for many years.
“This is a milestone shaped by the
persistence and courage of people with lived experience,”
says Bruning.
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“We commend the advocacy that has
brought us here, and we also know that signing a commitment
must be matched by action.”
Positive Women Inc. NZ
is calling for U=U to be embedded across the health system
and public education in ways which are meaningful,
equitable, and accessible. This includes:
• Ensuring
all health professionals are trained and confident in
communicating U=U
• Public campaigns that reduce
stigma and correct misinformation • Stronger protections
against discrimination for people living with HIV
•
Access to HIV testing, treatment, and support for all
communities — including women, Māori, Pacific peoples,
migrants, refugees, and rural communities.
•
Resourcing for community-led organisations who are trusted
messengers of U=U
While Aotearoa New Zealand has made
strong progress in treatment access and viral suppression,
stigma remains a serious barrier, particularly for women,
who may face compounded stigma related to gender, family
expectations, cultural pressures, and fear of violence or
rejection.
“U=U gives people living with HIV the
freedom to live without fear,” says Bruning
“But that freedom only becomes
real when society understands the science, and when people
are treated with respect in every setting, especially
healthcare.”
Positive Women Inc. NZ
looks forward to working alongside the Ministry of Health
and community partners to ensure U=U is widely understood
and reflected in policy, practice, and everyday
conversations.
Positive Women Inc. is an
organisation providing support to women and families living
with HIV and aims to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in the
community through educational programmes with a focus on
prevention and de
stigmatisation.
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